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Aug 11, 2017

TRUCKING INDUSTRY TRENDS * USA: Opinion

* Pennsylvania - A look at upcoming trucking industry trends

--- There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S. These truck drivers are moving about 70 percent of all freight tonnage... When you look at these statistics, it is no surprise that change is apparent in the trucking industry... In 2017, here are a number of trends that will definitely impact the future of the trucking industry: * Regulations: New regulations from government agencies may be the biggest challenge to the trucking industry... * Cost drivers: Pay for truck drivers is one major area of cost impact. ATA reports that the current average salary for an over-the-road trucker is $51,000 and $73,000 for a private-fleet trucker... * Fuel costs are another cost driver for the expenses of transporting goods... * New technologies to improve efficiency, safety and hiring, and retention of truck drivers, are going to be essential in the transportation sector... * Autonomous trucks: The continued research and testing of autonomous vehicles includes self-driving trucks... * Truck driver recruitment: The trucking industry is experiencing a real struggle in hiring drivers. There is a critical driver shortage, and this remains a major concern for trucking fleets... Reading, PA, USA - Reading Eagle, by Glenn Ebersole - August 8, 2017